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Optimization of the crosslinking process with glutaraldehyde vapor in PVA based electrospun membranes to wound dressings applications
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1  Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, Campus ed Azurém 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

Abstract:

Chronic wounds (CW) are characterized by delay or non-healing after 4 weeks of treatment. CW have become more prevalent, lead to a huge burden on healthcare and social systems, requiring specialized care. Wound dressings with specific properties capable to promote regeneration and avoid infections are highly needed. However, their efficacies are still limited due to the complexity of wound healing process and inadequate functions of wound dressings. To the effect, mats prepared at 10 w/v% concentration in glacial acetic acid and water in a 75/25 v/v% ratio based at different ratios of PVA/CA (100/0, 90/10 and 80/20 v/v%) were produced via electrospinning technique. The electrospinning setup consisted of a syringe and metal needle, an aluminum collecting plate, and a high voltage power supply. Conditions were optimized to obtain uniform, bead free mats, with a flexible structure and mechanical resilience. To overcome the instant solubilization of the PVA portion of the mat in aqueous media, a crosslinking process was employed. Crosslinking implies the formation of chemical bonds between different molecular chains to generate strong, stable and water insoluble 3D networks. For PVA, the crosslinking process can be accomplished via chemical or physical reactions, being the dialdehydes, diisocyanates, dicarboxylic, tricarboxylic and boric acids the most frequent chemical agents applied. Even though there are various options, glutaraldehyde (GA) is by far the most common crosslinker used in PVA processing due to its efficiency, ease of access and processing, and low cost. Further, in comparison with other crosslinking agents, GA in its vapor form has demonstrate reduced or no cytotoxic effect. Therefore, GA vapor was the crosslinker chosen and various parameters of process as the amount of GA, time, temperature and drying methods to its elimination were tested. GA vapor at 25% in water for 7 h at 60ºC, using 6 mL of solution per 130×120 mm2 of mat proved to be the most efficient option. To eliminate GA from mats and stored the crosslinked mats, the mats were stored in in a controllable environment of 41% RH and 19ºC until usage.

Keywords: Chronic wounds; Electrospun biodegradable mats; Crosslinking process; Glutaraldehyde vapor
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